City planners and consultants from Seamon Whiteside presented a phased City Center Village master plan to the Mauldin City Council on Jan. 6, outlining short‑, mid‑ and long‑term development areas, recommended land uses, and several small-area concept designs. After discussion the council entered executive session on economic development and later authorized the mayor to negotiate a purchase-sale agreement for a parcel within a multi‑county industrial park, contingent on results of a geotechnical survey.

Seamon Whiteside representatives said they reframed earlier master‑plan drafts into a ‘‘kit of parts’’ the city can use in phases. The study area runs roughly from Jenkins Street in the north to East Butler in the east and Highway 276/Main Street on the west. The firm identified short‑term opportunities on city‑owned parcels, midterm parcels likely acquirable over roughly five to ten years, and longer‑term parcels that staff judged less likely to be available soon.

The plan’s core recommendations included creating a pedestrian‑focused urban core north of City Hall with mixed commercial and upper‑floor residential uses; a civic core around the cultural center and city facilities with flexible open space and event areas; and a commercial core near Main Street. Illustrative options showed surface parking that could later be replaced by structured parking, mixed-use buildings, and a series of public plazas and green spaces. Staff emphasized flexibility and the need to coordinate road access and right‑of‑way work with SCDOT and private developers.

After the public presentation and council discussion, council moved into executive session to consider negotiations and proposed contractual arrangements related to City Center Village. When council reconvened, Councilman Matney moved and the council passed a motion authorizing the mayor (or designee) to negotiate a purchase‑sale agreement for a specified property within a multi‑county industrial park, subject to satisfactory geotechnical survey results. The motion passed 6–0; staff said no votes were taken during executive session and that the authorization is contingent on the geotechnical results and final contract terms.

Council members praised the consultant team for providing flexible options and asked staff to continue refining design details and to coordinate with DOT and potential developers. The plan will be used as a framework for future property negotiations and for requests for proposals or developer solicitations.